BIO+
Jose Mertz's paintings and drawings are inspired by all kinds of things -
Eastern philosophy, ancient South American tribes, impressionism, abstract expressionism,
architecture and nature.
His colourful, beautiful dreamy style often involves intricate detail and esoteric imagery.
These are no quick glance artworks, if you study them for a while, you'll see all kinds of hidden mastery.
Born in Queens, New York, Mertz has studied art consistently, has been given lots of awards,
and has had his works exhibited all over the US and Canada.
Already he's had features in New York Times, Time Out New York, The Village Voice, New York Cool,
Format, XXL, the fabulous Wooden Toy, City magazine and heaps more.
taken from - http://www.lifelounge.com/Jose-Mertz.aspx
LEEMER
Leemer was orignally a nickname given to Jose when living in New York which has a long story in itself.
The title is basicly the graphic design work, special projects, blog and store of Jose Mertz. Yet in still, they
are the same person.
Some of features have been seen on BET's 106 & Park, Beenie Man, Ice T, BG from Cash Money & The Wire,
just to name a few.
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Jose Mertz -
BORN: Queens,NY - 1980 / Raised: Miami, Fla.
EDUCATION:
2002: Maryland Institute College of Art / BFA / Painting
2000: AICAD - New York Studio Program
1998: New World School of the Arts
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SELECTED GROUP SHOWS:
2008: Hexagone - curated by: ARC. ( kiki valdes & myself ) MAS - miami art space
2007: Miami Art Basel 07 Shows- NY Repps / "Empire"
Design Crib Exhibit / Rock Soup Studio
" Reduce" Lex Leonard Gallery Jersey City. NJ
"Plantation Lullibies" Nubis Gallery Jersey City, NJ
2006:
Semi - Permanent Group Book Australia
"Static Free" Gild NYC
"Unforgiving" Gild NYC
"ABC Fundraiser" Toy Tokyo NYC
"I Rock Many Styles" 58 Gallery Jersey City, NJ
"Trexi Custom Show" Toy Qube Queens, NY
2005: "Exit Art Holiday Show" Exit Art Gallery NYC
"44 Boards" Mahan Galleryl Columbus, Ohio
"EGO/ All In The Grill" Splotches Web
"Hustlenomics" NYC
"Fulcrum / Gild Inagural Show" Gild NYC
2004 "Armory Show" Exit Art Booth NYC
"In / Convenience - Private Show" Brooklyn, NY
"L Factor - Exit Art Grand Opening Show" Exit Art
2003 "Stream" Rare Gallery NYC
2002 "NYC Studio AICAD Alumni Show" NYC
MICA Graduation Show Baltimore, MD
"Neil Admirari/ Be Surprised by Nothing" Baltimore, MD
"NY Studio Program Show- Off the Chain" NYC
2000 "Art in America Traveling Show" Baltimore, Chicago, Toronto
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ART DIRECTION / CURATED SHOWS
Art Directed and Designed ARC. Curated shows, web and print design. www.arc-hive.org
Advertising for Parish Clothing - All major mainstream magazines
Designed and Art Directed all publications including web, print and invites for Gild Inc.
Designed, Painted and Art Directed Murals for Merritt Athletics - Reebok Baltimore, Maryland
Art Directed Music Video for Cherrywine ( Butterfly of Digable Planets ) "Dazzlement"
Co - Art Director for Channel Organix video showcase - M.I.C.A Institute
Art Director for Posterboy Video / Audio Podcast - Itunes
Co - curated all art shows under Gild Inc. - http://www.gildlilies.com
Artwork showcased in music videos by the Procussionists, Cherrywine - Directed by: Hilton Carter
AWARDS
National Presidential Scholarship
Peace on the Streets Resident Artist / Instructor
Trustee Award
Windsor Newton Grant
EST Outsider Grant
Federal Pell Grant
AICAD study abroad program
Thailheimer Scholarship
Selected PRESS
Interview with Scheme Magazine - http://schememag.com/daily-news/jose-mertz-the-art-of-zen/
New York Times/ Fine Arts- Leisure / " A New Latino Essence, Remixed and Redistilled"
Outlook Newspaper / 44 Boards: HRC Benefits from Sk8boards as Art / Sept. 2005
Art Talk Magazine / Feb. 2004 / NYC
Time Out New York / " L Factor"
The Village Voice / " Group Portrait" / NYC
City Magazine / Gild USA
Kingbrown Magazine / Australia / "Unforgiving Show"
New York Cool / " Mary Mack Dressed In Black"
Media Bistro / Art Collectives Are Just Sooo Cool. |